Dai Shikai Teikoku
The Dai Shikai Teikoku is a vast and prosperous empire with a rich history and culture. It was ruled by the Emperor Dragon, who was revered as a divine being and had absolute power over the empire.
The empire comprised four kingdoms, each with its unique culture, traditions, and strengths. These kingdoms are home to skilled artisans, fishers, farmers, healers, and warriors, all contributing to the empire's stability and prosperity.
The empire boasts a powerful navy and army, both of which are highly trained and well equipped. The empire's soldiers are known for their courage, discipline, and martial skills and have earned a reputation as some of the finest warriors in Argon.
The Dai Shikai Teikoku is also known for its impressive architecture and cultural achievements.
The empire is home to many temples, shrines, and palaces, all of which are testaments to the empire's wealth and power. The people of the empire also made significant contributions to the arts, including poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music.
Centuries ago, the Emperor Dragon ignited a Sacred Flame in each kingdom. These Flames are potent and possess immense mystical properties. They are, however, not eternal. The Emperor Dragon created an order of elite protectors called the Keepers of the Sacred Flames to protect and nurture the Flames, ensuring they are forever ablaze.
The Flames have a significant impact on the climate and geography of the region: their heat transforms the Northern environment into a warm and bountiful region.
The Kouznets Union destroyed the flame of Töv in 1680 of the Celestial Calendar (7 years before The Pact) after an unsuccessful treaty parlay between the two nations, which led to the War between the Dai Shikai Teikoku and the Kouznets Union.
Presentation
Most of the people of the Dai Shikai Teikoku empire practiced the Old Ways, and worshipped the Guardians whom they called Kami. They believed the Kami were present in all aspects of nature, including trees, mountains, rivers, and animals. The most devout followers of the religion made alliances with the Kami, gaining powers or abilities in exchange for taking on aspects of the Guardian or a social or psychological trait that correlates to the deal they made.
The Dai Shikai Teikoku empire places great importance on practicing rituals and ceremonies to honour the Guardians and maintain their favour. These rites vary across the four kingdoms within the empire, reflecting their unique cultural traditions and beliefs.
The ritual through which a priest of the Dai Shikai Teikoku would make an alliance with a Kami involves several steps and can vary slightly depending on the specific Kami being called upon.
First, the priest creates an altar dedicated to the Kami where they place specific offerings, such as food or incense, and place any necessary objects or symbols.
Next, the priest enters a state of meditation, focusing their mind and heart on the Kami they wish to ally with. They may use chants or mantras to help them achieve this state of mind.
Once the priest feels that they have connected with the Kami, they present the offerings and formally request an alliance. This might involve making a specific promise or vow to the Kami, such as performing certain rituals or actions on their behalf.
After the alliance is made, the priest continues their offerings and performs addiytional rituals to honour the Kami and maintain the alliance.
In addition to the veneration of Guardians, they also worship their ancestors, believing they continue to exist and influence the lives of their descendants. This tenet is reflected in the empire's emphasis on family lineage and honour.
THE FESTIVAL OF THE SACRED FLAMES
Each year, in commemoration of the first lighting of the Sacred Flames by the Emperor Dragon, the Dai Shikai Teikoku citizens come together to celebrate. This grand festival celebrates the culture and traditions of each kingdom with great spectacles and theatrical plays showing important moments in the empire's history. It is also the only time when embers from the Sacred Flames are sent to the most worthy from each kingdom.
Rites and Beliefs
Each of the four kingdoms that comprise the Dai Shikai Teikoku has its æsthetics:
BAHÔ
The richer people of Bahô often wear luxurious, ornately decorated garments made from fine fabrics such as silk and brocade. They often choose a long, flowing robe called a kaftan or a fitted blouse with a long, flowing skirt. They also wear ornate jewellery and accessories, such as beaded necklaces and gold bangles, to show off their wealth and status.
The monks tend to wear sober and comfortable tunics and robes.
CHŪSHIN
The people of Chūshin often wear loose, flowing garments made from lightweight fabrics like silk and cotton. These garments are typically brightly coloured and intricately patterned, reflecting the kingdom's wealth and sophistication, and include loose trousers, tunics, or long, flowing dresses such as sarongs or kebayas. The clothes are often adorned with intricate embroidery.
TÖV
The people of Töv typically wear sturdy, practical clothing suitable for their martial lifestyle. They usually wear a loose-fitting tunic and trousers or a wrap-around skirt made from durable fabrics such as hemp or cotton. They may also wear a head covering to keep their hair out of their eyes during combat.
ZHŌNGXĪN
The people of Zhōngxīn wear practical clothing suitable for their agricultural and fishing lifestyles, such as loose trousers, tunics, wrap-around skirts or blouses. They may also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect themselves from the sun while working in the fields or on the water.
Aesthetics
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
At the top of the political hierarchy is the Immortal Emperor Dragon, who has been in power for centuries since the birth of the nation. He is considered a powerful and wise ruler, respected and feared by all who serve him. The Emperor Dragon rules from the Chūshin Palace, and while he is physically distant from much of his realm, his influence is felt throughout the empire.
Directly beneath the Emperor Dragon are the Shoguns, powerful nobles who oversee a region of the empire and hold almost complete power over it. The Shoguns are responsible for maintaining order in their respective regions and enforcing the Emperor Dragon's will. They are chosen based on their military prowess, political acumen, and loyalty to the Emperor Dragon.
Beneath the Shoguns are the Daimyos, wealthy landowners who receive vast territories in exchange for their loyalty and service. The Daimyos have significant political influence thanks to their financial capital, which they use to fund their private armies and bribe officials. They are responsible for maintaining order and prosperity within their territories and owe allegiance to the Shoguns who oversee them.
Finally, at the bottom of the political hierarchy are the samurais, elite warriors who dedicate their lives to the art of war and discipline. The samurais receive their title from a Shogun or directly from the Emperor Dragon. They are respected throughout the empire for their martial prowess and unwavering loyalty to their lord. They serve as the empire's military's backbone and protect the kingdoms from external threats.
The political organization of the Dai Shikai Teikoku Empire is a complex and hierarchical system designed to maintain order and stability throughout the nation. While power is concentrated at the top with the Emperor Dragon, the Shoguns, Daimyos, and samurais all play essential roles in maintaining the empire's strength and prosperity.
Organization
The Dai Shikai Teikoku had long been a prosperous and powerful maritime empire, known for its skilled sailors, powerful navy, and four Sacred Flames that protected their territory. For centuries, they had maintained their independence and defended their lands against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.
However, everything changed when one of their magical Flames was extinguished in the year 1680 of the Celestial Calendar (7 years before The Pact). They had just attended a treaty parley with Kouznets representatives to come to an understanding on long-time conflicts, but to no avail. When that failed, the Kouznets Union destroyed the Sacred Flame of Töv, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks. This was an act of war.
In response, the Dai Shikai Teikoku mobilized their navy and blockaded the ports of the Kouznets Union, cutting off their trade and essential resources. They also targeted the Union's gunpowder magazines to weaken their defences further and make it easier for their forces to invade.
As the aggrieved party in the conflict, the Dai Shikai Teikoku felt justified in their attack on the Kouznets Union. They had no choice but to defend themselves.
As the war dragged on, the Dai Shikai Teikoku's navy and army proved to be a force. They were able to push deep into the Kouznets Union's territory and capture several vital strongholds.
Despite their successes, the Dai Shikai Teikoku also faced unexpected challenges. The Kouznets Union was not the weak nation they had assumed it to be. Their people fought with tenacity and courage, determined to defend their homes and way of life. To gain the upper hand, the Dai Shikai Teikoku seeked the support of their greatest ally: the City of Septis and their formidable mages.
After months of gruelling battles and devastating attacks, the war between the Kouznets Union, the Dai Shikai Teikoku, and the City of Septis came to an abrupt halt. It was a sudden and unexpected turn of events that no one had seen coming.
One fateful night, the dead from both camps started rising, forming a new enemy that no one had ever encountered.
The armies of the Kouznets Union, the Dai Shikai Teikoku, and the City of Septis were caught off guard and needed to learn how to fight against this new enemy. The undead soldiers were relentless, showing no signs of fear or pain, and kept coming even after sustaining heavy damage. Their numbers grew daily, and soon they had overwhelmed the remaining forces, invading the entire Northern continent and destroying everything in their path.
War between the Dai Shikai Teikoku and the Kouznets Union
Black Sea Company: They are stained with the cultural rubbish of other nations. They have no culture. They are vulgar pirates.
Cities of Sinaï: A nation rich in every respect, orderly and efficient. They give an honourable place to the Kami.
City of Septis: Our oldest allies; they are visionaries and geniuses. We will remain great together.
Forest Folks: They are deceitful to claim they can get so close to the Kami. They are wanderers without buts.
Inheritors Empire: They accept nobility, order and virtue. Trade is good with them, and our ambitions align easily.
Kingdom of Albion: Like us, they are the chosen ones of a mighty Kami, but theirs is a child while ours is a giant. They are friendly, and their agriculture is commendable.
Kingdom of Thessaly: They are of no consequence. But they indeed export fine products.
Kouznets Union: A nation of beggars, thankless, anarchists and deceivers. It will remain small and indignant. These troublemakers deserve to have their weapons taken away from them since they don't know how to control them honourably.
Relations with other nations
The Protectors of the Sacred Flames are an order of elite protectors responsible for safeguarding and nurturing the magical flames that the Emperor Dragon ignited centuries ago. The Order is divided into three different castes, each with its own set of roles and responsibilities. Together, they ensure that the sacred flames are forever ablaze and maintain the delicate balance of the region's climate and geography.
THE FLAME KEEPERS
They are the highest caste within the Order. They are responsible for the direct protection and nurturing of the Sacred Flames, and are the only ones allowed to touch them - together with the Emperor, of course. They are highly skilled in the art of fire manipulation and control. They use this ability to maintain a steady and controlled burn of the Flames, which helps keep the delicate balance of the region's climate and geography. Flame Keepers choose guards and assign tasks in the flame temples.
THE FLAME WARDENS
They are the second caste within the Order and execute the Keepers' commands. They are responsible for maintaining the physical infrastructure around the Sacred Flames, such as the temples. They oversee the day-to-day maintenance of the flame temples, for example, acquiring enough fuel to keep them burning. The Flame Wardens work closely with the Flame Keepers to ensure that the flames are always well maintained and protected.
THE FLAME SCHOLARS
They are the third caste within the Order. They are responsible for studying the mystical properties of the Flames and unlocking their secrets. They work closely with the Flame Keepers to understand the nature of the flames and how they impact the climate and geography of the region. The Flame Scholars also act as advisors to the Flame Keepers, offering insights and recommendations on how best to protect and nurture the flames.
Order of Protectors of the Sacred Flame
BAHÔ
Bahô is an archipelago and mountain range, and it is home to the monasteries of crafting monks. The people of Bahô are masters of arts and are responsible for producing spices and fine-aged alcohol, among other luxury goods. Bahô is known for its skilled artisans, who produce some of the finest goods in the empire. The monasteries of Bahô are also home to many scholars and philosophers, and the people of this kingdom are highly educated and intellectual.
CHŪSHIN
Chūshin is the main island of the Dai Shikai Teikoku empire. It is almost fully covered in a cityscape, except for the palace. This kingdom is the main commercial hub of the country and serves as the political center of the empire. It is home to many of the country's wealthiest and most influential citizens, including politicians, business leaders, and intellectuals. Chūshin is a bustling metropolis with a thriving economy and a diverse population.
Even before the other 3 kingdoms joined the Dai Shikai Teikoku Empire, Chūshin controlled much of the surrounding region through its military might and economic power.
The Emperor Dragon established the Chūshin Palace as his seat of power, using its central location and impressive defences to project his authority across the realm.
TÖV
Töv is a cluster of islands closest to the mainland and provides the military masters and protectors of the realm. This kingdom is home to the herd masters, the master cavaliers of the empire. The people of Töv are known for their bravery and martial skills, and the other kingdoms highly respect them. Töv is also home to many of the empire's military bases and training grounds, making it an important strategic location.
At the head of Töv's political structure is a monarch known as the Khan, who serves as the kingdom's ruler under the emperor's authority. The Khan is responsible for governing the kingdom and making decisions on behalf of its people. Under the Khan are several ministers who hold various administrative and judicial roles. The people of Töv are divided into different clans, each with its chief or leader. The clans are responsible for managing their affairs and resolving disputes within their communities.
ZHŌNGXĪN
Zhōngxīn was a collection of small islands inhabited by farmers, fishers, and healers. Before they were annexed to the empire, they were not a powerful kingdom, but they were respected throughout the region for their expertise in agriculture and medicine. When a severe drought hit the region, the people of Zhōngxīn struggled to survive. They sent emissaries to the emperor of the Dai Shikai Teikoku empire, asking for his help. The emperor agreed to send aid on the condition that Zhōngxīn joined his empire and became a crucial part of his efforts to feed and heal the people of his realm. The people of Zhōngxīn agreed, and they became loyal subjects of the emperor.
Kingdoms
The sudden appearance of the undead during the penultimate battle against the Kouznets was a shocking turn of events for the Dai Shikai Teikoku. The soldiers and citizens who witnessed the reanimated corpses attacking their people were horrified and confused.
At first, the empire attempted to fight against the undead hordes, but it quickly became apparent that their weapons and tactics were ineffective against these supernatural enemies. As the situation worsened, the emperor and his advisors realized they needed to take drastic action to survive.
The emperor went missing, and the council ordered the evacuation of the cities and the surrounding areas, sending the citizens and soldiers to nearby kingdoms as refugees. Meanwhile, the remaining army units fought a desperate rear-guard action to allow as many people as possible to escape.
Despite their efforts, the empire was overrun by the undead, and much of their territory fell under their control. The survivors of the empire's fall were forced to rebuild their lives in foreign lands, carrying with them the memories of their lost homeland and the horrors they had witnessed.
Although they first escaped to the Sinai desert coast, most refugees sought refuge in the allied nation of the Inheritors Empire, where they started to rebuild their lives. Still, the cultural differences are making it difficult for them to integrate. The religious differences and the Inheritors Empire little to no tolerance for diverging faiths are a significant concern for the people of the Dai Shikai Teikoku as they might lose their culture in the process.